What We Do
Boarding House Mentors introduces at-risk youth to the exhilaration of surfing, in order to broaden their life experiences with positive healthy non competitive activities that may have a significant impact on their self-image and self-confidence.
“Pass the Stoke” Surf Community
Youth learn to surf in a fun, supportive environment under the supervision of experienced surfers and volunteers who share the positive impact that surfing had on their lives. BHM welcomes youth organizations to register for our scheduled summer “Pass the Stoke Surf Community” at Will Rogers State Beach. The 2012 session consists of six surf days. Our program includes equipment, volunteer instructors, food and beverage, beach activities. Participating organizations are responsible for providing transportation and chaperones. June 10, June 24, July 8, July 22, August 5, August 19.
“Pass the Stoke” Fundraisers
BHM organizes terrific special events that bring community together and to raise funds to operate BHM. These events are held in popular venues like Rusty's on the Pier and the Canyon Club featuring well known artist such as Brian Setzer and the Stray Cats, Jackson Brown, Ben Harper and Daisy Fuentes. Our silent auctions offer autographed items, surfboards, skateboards, snowboards and more. The Hot Rod show was a hit on the pier.
Guest Speakers
Boarding House Mentors invites special guests to share their knowledge and experience with youth at the “Pass the Stoke Surf Community” Past guests have included pro surfers such as Shaun Tompson, Chris Malloy and Jesse Billauer. We also invite representatives of Heal the Bay to talk about the importance of protecting our environment. If you would like to be a guest speaker please contact grace@boardinghousementors.org.
Internships
BHM offers internships to High School and College students who fulfill the specified volunteer requirements during our “Pass the Stoke” surf sessions. BHM collaborates with community partners to offer internship opportunities for qualified youth surfers.
International Affiliations
BHM has built a relationship with the Jamaica Surfing Association (JSA) that was sponsored by Air Jamaica Cargo. BHM contributed several boards and other surf merchandise. Maria Busby, BHM co-founder, visited with the leaders of the JSA and discussed possibilities for future collaborations.
Big Wave Hawaiian Experience
BHM has sponsored opportunities for individual youth and chaperones to experience the famous Triple Crown Surf Contest in the big waves of Hawaii's North Shore. During their visit they stayed a short walk from contest area. With their VIP passes courtesy of Oniell, they were able to mingle with the big wave surfers. While on the Island they also paddled a traditional Hawaiian Outrigger with the Koa Kai Outriggers at Ala Moana Beach Park Honolulu. Big wave legend Sean McNamara and director of the film “Soul Surfer” provided surfboards for volunteers and youth to experience the local breaks.
Local Surf Events and Contests
BHM Youth are invited to participate in fun local contest. The youth competed in the Peanut Butter and Surf Jam and the Rincon Invitational where the team took home the prize for most surfers on one wave. These are great opportunities for BHM youth surfers to share in the larger surf community and see different beach breaks up and down the California coast.
“Pass the Stoke” Partnerships with Surf Industry
BHM has collaborated with O'Neill and PAC SUN to create “Pass the Stoke” tee shirts. A portion of the profits from the sale of the shirts benefited BHM. These funds were used to operate our “Pass the Stoke” Surf Sessions.
Wetsuit and Surf Trunk Drives at Local Surf Shops
ZJ's Boarding House, Channel Islands, Nine Star and Val Surf have been long time supporters of BHM. They hold wetsuit drives and surf trunk drives in their popular surf shops. These items are then used in our programs and given to our youth surfers.
Action Sport Retailers (ASR)
BHM has had a booth at past ASR Trade shows. Youth were invited to learn about the commercial aspect of surfing. They interacted with different companies, learned about jobs and potential opportunities in the action sports industry.
Jalama Volunteer Camp Out
BHM Volunteers were invited to spend a weekend relaxing, camping and of course surfing at Jalama State Beach in Ojai. A couple hours out of LA and volunteers could share in the joy of surfing and bond by the camp fire.